Sidney Music Boosters launch AC Campaign

Deb Gibbs, left to right, stands with her husband Chris Gibbs and Gateway Arts Council Executive Director Ellen Keyes as Gibbs prepares to donate the first $1,000 to Sidney City Schools Superintendent Bob Humble to be use for a new air conditioning unit for the school before the start of a Gateway Arts Council concert recently.

Luke Gronneberg | Sidney Daily News

SIDNEY — It’s “Time to Chill” at Sidney High School.

A campaign was recently launched to bring air conditioning to the SHS auditorium and music wing.

“Sidney City Schools has many star programs but the music department is one of the brightest,” said Superintendent Bob Humble. “We want to share and encourage that star with the Sidney community year-round. As a former music teacher, music is the one thing that can touch an entire community – let’s reach out to everyone!”

The anticipated cost of the project is $290,000. Contributions to date total $180,000, with a campaign goal of $110,000.

Anyone who has gone to a music concert at Sidney High School in the late spring or attended Senior Awards Night at the end of the school year can attest to just how hot the Sidney High School auditorium can get, said Humble.

Beyond comfort in the auditorium and music rooms, temperature control is vital to extending the life of musical instruments stores in our music rooms. The heat and humidity can cause great stress on the instruments and shorten their lifespan, he said.

Events at SHS

The Sidney High School auditorium is home to many school events as well as community and public events. Everything from awards ceremonies to school music programs to community concerts take place there.

• School events

• Sidney City Schools music concerts

• Musicals

• School/district assemblies

• Meetings/speakers

• Sidney City Schools Hall of Honor Induction Ceremony

• Events sponsored by Gateway Arts Council

• Community events

• Community concerts

• Church programs

• Public meetings/speakers

Timeline

2005: The bond levy which resulted in Sidney Middle School and the Sidney High School Science Wing also allowed for the control system to be installed for potential future air conditioning in the auditorium. At that time, the auditorium received some upgrades including new seating, flooring, and sound control panels.

April 2018: Committee assembles to discuss potential auditorium and music wing air conditioning project.

May 2018: Sidney City Schools Board of Education approves to support the project pending additional funding.

November 2018: Public campaign kicks off.

Jan. 31, 2019: Campaign ends – donations must be sent to the school by this date.

March 2019: Anticipated completion of the project.

Project scope

The project will bring air conditioning to the Sidney High School Auditorium and music wing. The scope of the project includes installing piping and pumps for chilled water, installing electrical service, purchasing and installing the chiller, and installing security fencing.

Gift levels for the project include:

• Conductor, $5,000 or more

• Fortissimo, $1,000 – $4,999

• Forte, $500 – $999

• Piano, $250 – $499

• Friends, up to $250

Piano level and above will be listed on the dedication plaque.

Donations should be sent by Jan. 31, 2019, to Sidney City Schools 750 S. Fourth Ave., Sidney, OH 45365. Make checks payable to Sidney Music Boosters. In the check memo, write Air Conditioning Project.

Sidney Music Boosters is a 501c3 nonprofit charity. All donations are tax deductible.

For more information, call Sidney City Schools to speak with Humble, 937-497-2200.

Deb Gibbs, left to right, stands with her husband Chris Gibbs and Gateway Arts Council Executive Director Ellen Keyes as Gibbs prepares to donate the first $1,000 to Sidney City Schools Superintendent Bob Humble to be use for a new air conditioning unit for the school before the start of a Gateway Arts Council concert recently.

https://www.sidneydailynews.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/47/2018/11/web1_SDN111518SchoolAir.jpgDeb Gibbs, left to right, stands with her husband Chris Gibbs and Gateway Arts Council Executive Director Ellen Keyes as Gibbs prepares to donate the first $1,000 to Sidney City Schools Superintendent Bob Humble to be use for a new air conditioning unit for the school before the start of a Gateway Arts Council concert recently. Luke Gronneberg | Sidney Daily News